Mainstream Media's Neglect of Arbaeen: A Missed Opportunity to Raise Awareness about Shia
Arbaeen, a profound and sacred Shia Muslim observance, emerges 40 days after the commemoration of the Day of Ashura, a day that resonates with the poignant memory of Imam Hussein (AS), the revered grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Arbaeen procession does not take place on a single day. Instead, it begins weeks earlier, as pilgrims start walking towards Karbala.
This spiritual pilgrimage stands as a testament to the unwavering devotion and reverence that millions of faithful bear towards Imam Hussein (AS), drawing them from every corner of the globe to converge upon the city of Karbala in Iraq. Here, amidst the hallowed grounds that cradle Hussein's legacy, pilgrims gather to pay homage, to reflect, and to find solace in their shared faith.
Global media’s skipping of Arbaeen
The Arbaeen pilgrimage, in its grandeur and magnitude, should naturally become an irresistible focal point for the media's gaze. When a myriad of souls, united by faith, assemble within a singular tapestry of devotion, the world should notice.
However, an unsettling trend has emerged—one where supposedly "neutral" media outlets seem to have cast a shadow over a significant event, inadvertently or otherwise, thus becoming accomplices to the veiling of Shia Islam in obscurity. In recent years, they have shown an alarming tendency to overlook the monumental event, thus perpetuating a dearth of understanding about the faith.
These omissions are all the more perplexing when contrasted with their coverage of sporadic, albeit sensationalized, instances of violent mourning processions within few Shia communities. These selective snapshots, unwittingly or by design, paint a skewed picture, leaving viewers with the misguided notion that Shia adherents are defined by intolerance and aggression.
In this quagmire of media bias, the truth often becomes a casualty, and the subtleties of Shia Islam's vibrant tapestry of beliefs, rituals, and values remain hidden from the world's gaze. Yet, the story of Shia Islam is not one of darkness but of resilience, unity, and peace.
It's imperative to illuminate this obscured narrative, for Shia Islam, like any faith, encompasses a spectrum of beliefs and practices that cannot be distilled into singular, sensational images. By failing to capture the essence of Arbaeen, the world media inadvertently perpetuates stereotypes, deepening the chasm of misunderstanding.
What global viewers are missing
Arbaeen convergence can ignite a symphony of awareness, an apex of attention that illuminates the teachings and beliefs of Shia Islam. The surge in media exposure, if realized, fuels a vital process of enlightenment, edifying a global audience about the tenets and values that form the cornerstone of this faith.
The Arbaeen pilgrimage unfolds as an unparalleled opportunity to disseminate the profound message of Shia Islam, and to touch lives and hearts that may have remained untouched otherwise.
Contemplating this multifaceted event, one unearths a treasure trove of potential avenues through which Arbaeen can forge pathways of understanding and empathy, thus nourishing the seeds of awareness:
Shattering stereotypes: The pilgrimage dismantles entrenched stereotypes about Shia Muslims while also eliminating misconceptions and fostering a more authentic perception of the faith. As millions stand side by side, regardless of origin or background, the tapestry of unity woven among diverse individuals showcases the harmony and inclusivity at the heart of Shia Islam.
A Beacon of peace: The Arbaeen pilgrimage stands as a living embodiment of peace and tolerance. Amidst the throbbing heartbeat of the event, the world witnesses a tapestry of humanity where faith becomes a bridge for cooperation, dialogue, and respect, transcending cultural and religious divides.
Cultural crossroads: Converging cultures and creeds find common ground in the shared devotion that characterizes the Arbaeen pilgrimage. This intermingling of hearts and souls stimulates dialogue and understanding, enabling individuals from different backgrounds to unearth shared values and dissolve the boundaries that separate them.
Quest for knowledge: As the Arbaeen pilgrimage beckons, it invites people, both within and beyond the faith, to delve into Shia Islam. This curiosity can spark a journey of exploration, compelling individuals to gain deeper insights into the faith's beliefs, practices, and teachings.
Media’s duty to bridge gaps
Indeed, the Arbaeen pilgrimage stands not merely as a journey to a sacred destination, but as an expedition into faith, unity, and awareness. Its power lies not solely in the footsteps that tread the path to Karbala, but in the ripples of transformation it sends across the globe.
This annual journey—a voyage of souls and a pilgrimage of hearts—breathes life into the teachings of Shia Islam, bridging gaps, dismantling barriers, and igniting a beacon of understanding that glows far beyond the horizons of Karbala.
Imagine a world where media giants chose to shift their lenses towards the massive, peaceful gatherings during Arbaeen, showcasing the unity, tolerance, and profound spirituality that pervades this event. This would provide a balanced perspective, unraveling the complexity and beauty of Shia Islam, and ultimately fostering harmony and dialogue among diverse faiths and cultures.
In a media landscape ripe with opportunity, the choice to illuminate rather than obfuscate, to explore rather than stereotype, could bridge the gap between ignorance and understanding, guiding the world towards a more nuanced appreciation of Shia Islam.
By Mohammad Ali Haqshenas
